Robert McCormick: Harmonizations

Order now!

Description
These hymn free harmonizations draw on Robert McCormick’s years of experience as a church musician and his own style of hymn playing. The accompaniments are rich in activity and detail and will be useful to support a strong singing congregation.

From the Composer
These harmonizations are intended for unison singing of final verses (with one exception, the first alternate harmonization of St. Anne). They are intended to enhance, not detract from, congregational singing, so should be carefully rehearsed and used in instances where the congregation (and choir, if there is one) is familiar enough with the hymn in question not to be distracted.

Registrations and tempi are left to the organist’s discretion, as best suits each text, the particular organ, acoustic, and assembled forces. Legato articulation is appropriate in most instances. Breaths should be taken as seem fitting for the text, and are left unmarked.

These harmonizations are dedicated to Camille Bishop, my first teacher and musical inspiration as a child, upon her retirement after 35 years as Organist and Director of Music at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, Macon, Georgia. Through Cam’s beautiful playing I first learned to love hymnody, and I am a church musician today largely because of her example and support.